Settlement Policy for Legal Enforcement Actions Involving Medical Certificate-Related Fraud, Intentional Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration, 60057-60059 [2020-21111]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 186 / Thursday, September 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the FAA’s analysis of the Model 737 fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Modification Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (h) Alternative Actions for Cargo Airplanes For airplanes used exclusively for cargo operations: As an alternative to the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this AD, using methods approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. To exercise this alternative, operators must perform the first inspection required under paragraph (h)(1) of this AD within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. To exercise this alternative for airplanes returned to service after conversion of the airplane from a passenger configuration to an all-cargo configuration more than 6 months after the effective date of this AD, operators must perform the first inspection required under paragraph (h)(1) of this AD prior to further flight after the conversion. (1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, record the existing fault codes stored in the FQIS processor and before further flight thereafter do a BITE check (check of built-in test equipment) of the FQIS. If any nondispatchable fault code is recorded prior to the BITE check or as a result of the BITE check, before further flight, do all applicable repairs and repeat the BITE check until a successful test is performed with no nondispatchable faults found, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Repeat these actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 flight hours. Modification as specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD does not terminate the repetitive BITE check requirement of this paragraph. (2) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the airplane by separating FQIS wiring that runs between the FQIS processor and the center tank wing spar penetrations, including any circuits that might pass through a main fuel tank, from other airplane wiring that is not intrinsically safe, using methods approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3557; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on August 26, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–19809 Filed 9–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No.: FAA–2020–0809] 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65 and 67 Settlement Policy for Legal Enforcement Actions Involving Medical Certificate-Related Fraud, Intentional Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notification of enforcement policy. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a policy for the prompt settlement of legal enforcement actions against individuals who have violated FAA regulations SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60057 proscribing any: Fraudulent or intentionally false statement on an application for a medical certificate or other document used to show compliance with any requirement for a medical certificate; reproduction of a medical certificate for fraudulent purposes; or alteration of a medical certificate. The policy is expected to afford eligible individuals who hold an airman or ground instructor certificate and who are the subject of such a legal enforcement action the opportunity to apply for a new airman or ground instructor certificate sooner than in the absence of this policy. DATES: This notification of enforcement policy is effective September 30, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Barry, Manager, Policy/Audit/ Evaluation, Enforcement Division, AGC–300, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–8198; james.barry@ faa.gov; or Brandon Goldberg, Attorney, Enforcement Division, AGC–300, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 305–5230; brandon.goldberg@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under longstanding FAA policy, the revocation of airman, ground instructor, and medical certificates, and the withdrawal of all special issuances or SODAs, is the appropriate sanction for violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4).1 The period between the discovery of an apparent violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4) and, if appropriate, the issuance of an order revoking airman, medical, and ground instructor certificates can be lengthy, making the date on which an order of revocation will be issued uncertain. Investigative personnel compile an 1 Under 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4), a person is prohibited from making or causing to be made: A fraudulent or intentionally false statement on any application for a medical certificate or on a request for any Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA); a fraudulent or intentionally false entry in any logbook, record, or report that is kept, made, or used to show compliance with any requirement for any medical certificate or for any Authorization or SODA; a reproduction, for fraudulent purposes, of any medical certificate; or an alteration of any medical certificate. Under 14 CFR 67.403(b)(1)–(2), a violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4) is a basis for: Suspending or revoking all airman, ground instructor, and medical certificates and ratings held by the violator and withdrawing all Authorizations or SODA’s held by the violator. See also FAA Order 2150.3C, chap. 9, para. 8 (revocation is appropriate for a violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4) since such a violation demonstrates a lack of qualification to hold a certificate). E:\FR\FM\24SER1.SGM 24SER1 60058 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 186 / Thursday, September 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations enforcement investigative report (EIR) containing evidence relating to the apparent violation. Such investigations include gathering, among other evidence, legal and/or medical documentation from various governmental entities or healthcare providers. Investigative personnel also include as evidence letters of investigation (LOIs) to apparent violators and any information provided in response to LOIs. Following the compilation of evidence, investigative personnel provide analyses as to how the evidence relates to the violation and recommended sanction type. The EIR is subject to various levels of review within the FAA program office. If the program office deems the EIR sufficient, it transmits the EIR to the Office of the Chief Counsel’s Enforcement Division (AGC–300) for evaluation and, if appropriate, initiation of legal enforcement action. Accordingly, a variety of factors affect the timing of the issuance of an order of revocation for an apparent violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4). In addition, FAA regulations generally proscribe individuals whose airman and ground instructor certificates have been revoked from applying for new airman and ground instructor certificates for one year following the effective date of an order of revocation. Under 14 CFR 61.13(d)(2), unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate has been revoked may not apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization for one year after the date of revocation. Under 14 CFR 63.11(d), unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person whose flight engineer or flight navigator certificate is revoked may not apply for the same kind of certificate for one year after the date of revocation. Under 14 CFR 65.11(d)(1) and (2), unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person whose air traffic control tower operator, aircraft dispatcher, or parachute rigger certificate is revoked may not apply for the same kind of certificate for one year after the date of revocation; and a person whose mechanic or repairman certificate is revoked may not apply for either of those kinds of certificates for one year after the date of revocation.2 In short, following the requisite investigation and case evaluation processes that take place prior to the issuance of an order revoking airman 2 The one-year application restriction applicable to revoked 14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65 certificates does not apply to certificates issued under 14 CFR part 67. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 and ground instructor certificates for a 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4) violation, an applicant may have to wait up to one year following the issuance of an order to make application for any new such certificate. The prompt settlement policy announced in this notice for violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4) will generally afford an individual eligible for the policy the opportunity to apply for any airman and ground instructor certificate sooner than had the case proceeded in the absence of the policy. The individual would still be subject to the one-year post-revocation bar applicable to applications for new airman or ground instructor certificates, but would have the opportunity to apply for such certificates generally sooner than under the current process because much of the investigation and evaluation processes would be abbreviated or eliminated. Moreover, this policy will generally add predictability as to when the FAA would issue the order and, accordingly, when an individual could submit an application for a new airman or ground instructor certificate. The policy will also apply when any controlled substance conviction or motor vehicle action that is the basis for a violation of 14 CFR 61.15(a), (d), or (e) also forms the basis for an intentional falsification violation under 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1).3 For example, the policy will apply to: (1) Violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) and 14 CFR 61.15(e) when the violations were related to the same driving under the influence conviction; (2) violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) and 14 CFR 61.15(a) when the violations were related to the same controlled substance conviction; and (3) violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) and 14 CFR 61.15(d) and (e) when the violations were related to the same motor vehicle action or actions. In 2018, the FAA implemented a similar policy for commercial pilots who violate certain FAA drug and alcohol-related prohibitions, including 3 Under 14 CFR 61.15(a), a conviction for the violation of any Federal or State statute relating to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 61. Under 14 CFR 61.15(d), except for a motor vehicle action that results from the same incident or arises out of the same factual circumstances, a motor vehicle action occurring within three years of a previous motor vehicle action is grounds for suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 61. Under 14 CFR 61.15(e), each person holding a certificate issued under this part shall provide a written report of each motor vehicle action to the FAA not later than 60 days after the motor vehicle action. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 those involving a disqualifying DOT drug or alcohol test result or refusal to submit to DOT drug or alcohol testing.4 The appropriate sanction for such violations is the revocation of airman, ground instructor, and medical certificates held by the commercial pilot. As with violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4), a violation of drug and alcohol testing regulations is subject to comprehensive investigation, which, in turn, is subject to program office and Office of the Chief Counsel review before the FAA issues a revocation order. Further, as mentioned above, an individual whose part 61 certificate is revoked may not apply for a new part 61 certificate, rating, or authorization for one year after the effective date of the revocation order.5 The FAA’s drug and alcohol prompt settlement policy allows eligible pilots to promptly settle their case with the FAA and avoid a potentially lengthy investigation and FAA case evaluation process. In turn, eligible pilots can benefit from an earlier start of the oneyear application waiting period specified in 14 CFR 61.13(d)(2). Further, the policy affords both the pilot and FAA the opportunity to better allocate resources. Statement of Policy Under this prompt settlement policy, following the issuance of an LOI for violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4), an eligible individual who is the subject of the legal enforcement action would have the opportunity to enter into a settlement agreement providing for (1) the acceptance of the prompt issuance of an order revoking the individual’s airman or ground instructor certificates; (2) the immediate surrender of the affected certificates in response to the order; and (3) the waiver of appeal rights. This policy is expected to afford eligible individuals who are the subject of legal enforcement action for violating 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4) the opportunity to apply for a new airman certificate under 14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65, or a new ground instructor certificate under 14 CFR part 61, sooner than in the absence of such a policy. The policy will also apply when any controlled substance conviction or motor vehicle action that was the basis for a violation of 14 CFR 61.15(a), (d), or (e) also forms the basis for an intentional falsification violation under 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1). Under this policy, the FAA will send notification to individuals who appear to have violated those provisions that they may contact the applicable 4 See 5 14 E:\FR\FM\24SER1.SGM 83 FR 34040 (Jul. 19, 2018). CFR 61.13(d)(2). 24SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 186 / Thursday, September 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations program office within ten days of receipt of the notice to request consideration for a prompt settlement of the legal enforcement action. The FAA will send the notification in conjunction with the LOI. Following an individual’s request to be considered for application of this policy, the FAA will determine the individual’s eligibility for the policy. The policy is not available when there is a question about an individual’s qualification to hold a part 61, 63, or 65 certificate other than that presented by the 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4) violation. It is also not available for individuals who the FAA has found to have previously violated 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4). If the FAA deems application of the prompt settlement policy is appropriate, AGC–300 enforcement counsel will provide the individual, or his or her legal representative, a formal agreement that sets forth the conditions for prompt settlement. The terms of this settlement agreement will normally include the following provisions. (1) The settlement agreement must be executed by the parties within ten days after the FAA sends the agreement to the individual. (2) The FAA will issue an emergency order revoking all airman, ground instructor, and unexpired medical certificates the individual holds immediately upon receiving the fully executed settlement agreement. (3) The order of revocation will (i) require the immediate surrender of all airman, ground instructor, and unexpired medical certificates the individual holds to enforcement counsel; (ii) notify the individual that the failure to immediately surrender these certificates could subject the individual to further legal enforcement action, including a civil penalty; and (iii) inform the individual that the FAA will not accept an application for any new airman or ground instructor certificate for a period of one year from the date of the issuance of the order of revocation. (4) The individual will waive all appeal rights from the order of revocation. (5) The individual acknowledges that this agreement only concerns this enforcement action brought by the FAA and does not affect any actions that might be brought by State or other Federal agencies (whether civil or criminal), and that this agreement does not prevent the FAA from providing information about this matter to State or other Federal agencies. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 (6) The parties will agree to bear their own costs and attorney fees, if any, in connection with the matter. (7) The individual will agree to not initiate any litigation before any court, tribunal, or administrative entity concerning any costs, damages, or attorney fees, including applications under the Equal Access to Justice Act, incurred as a result of the abovereferenced matter. (8) The individual will agree to waive any and all causes of action against the FAA and its current and/or former officials and employees relating to the above-referenced matter. This policy is expected to allow eligible individuals to more quickly apply for new certificates under 14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65 following violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)–(4). It will also reduce uncertainty about the date of issuance of orders of revocation related to such violations, eliminate the unpredictability of litigation, and promote better resource allocation. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 21, 2020. Naomi Tsuda, Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement. [FR Doc. 2020–21111 Filed 9–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology 15 CFR Part 285 [Docket No.: 200128–0034] RIN 0693–AB67 National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program—Amendment to the Procedures and Requirements To Accredit Testing and Calibration Laboratories National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is issuing a final rule amending the regulations pertaining to the operation of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) and the operation of its accreditation programs. The regulations are being revised to include recognition of proficiency testing as an accreditation activity, add or revise terms, and update NVLAP mailing information, in accordance with the applicable international standard. These changes will not impact the public directly, and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60059 will only result in minor changes to NIST’s internal practices. DATES: This rule is effective on September 24, 2020. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 24, 2020. ADDRESSES: Dana S. Leaman, Chief, National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2140 or by sending email to nvlap@nist.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana S. Leaman, Chief, NIST/NVLAP, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2140, Phone: (301) 975–4016 or email: dana.leaman@ nist.gov. Information regarding NVLAP and the accreditation process can be obtained from https://www.nist.gov/ nvlap. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Title 15, part 285 of the Code of Federal Regulations sets out procedures and general requirements under which NVLAP operates as an unbiased third party to accredit both testing and calibration laboratories. The NVLAP procedures were first published in the Federal Register on February 25, 1976, and have been revised several times. NVLAP currently operates in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011:2004, Conformity assessment—Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies. The Laboratory Accreditation Programs operated by NVLAP are established based on the criteria in ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Revisions to ISO/IEC 17011 and ISO/IEC 17025 were published in November 2017 with a three-year implementation period. These revisions include recognition of proficiency testing as an accreditation activity, addition and/or revision of terms, and update of the NVLAP mailing information. The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate these revised requirements into the regulations. II. Incorporation by Reference NIST Handbook 150 presents the basic procedures under which NVLAP operates, and considers the requirements contained in ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 and NIST Handbook 150 contain the general requirements that testing and calibration E:\FR\FM\24SER1.SGM 24SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 186 (Thursday, September 24, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60057-60059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21111]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

[Docket No.: FAA-2020-0809]

14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65 and 67


Settlement Policy for Legal Enforcement Actions Involving Medical 
Certificate-Related Fraud, Intentional Falsification, Reproduction, or 
Alteration

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notification of enforcement policy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a policy for the prompt settlement of 
legal enforcement actions against individuals who have violated FAA 
regulations proscribing any: Fraudulent or intentionally false 
statement on an application for a medical certificate or other document 
used to show compliance with any requirement for a medical certificate; 
reproduction of a medical certificate for fraudulent purposes; or 
alteration of a medical certificate. The policy is expected to afford 
eligible individuals who hold an airman or ground instructor 
certificate and who are the subject of such a legal enforcement action 
the opportunity to apply for a new airman or ground instructor 
certificate sooner than in the absence of this policy.

DATES: This notification of enforcement policy is effective September 
30, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Barry, Manager, Policy/Audit/
Evaluation, Enforcement Division, AGC-300, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone (202) 267-8198; [email protected]; or Brandon Goldberg, 
Attorney, Enforcement Division, AGC-300, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337; telephone 
(404) 305-5230; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under longstanding FAA policy, the revocation of airman, ground 
instructor, and medical certificates, and the withdrawal of all special 
issuances or SODAs, is the appropriate sanction for violations of 14 
CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4).\1\ The period between the discovery of an 
apparent violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4) and, if 
appropriate, the issuance of an order revoking airman, medical, and 
ground instructor certificates can be lengthy, making the date on which 
an order of revocation will be issued uncertain. Investigative 
personnel compile an

[[Page 60058]]

enforcement investigative report (EIR) containing evidence relating to 
the apparent violation. Such investigations include gathering, among 
other evidence, legal and/or medical documentation from various 
governmental entities or healthcare providers. Investigative personnel 
also include as evidence letters of investigation (LOIs) to apparent 
violators and any information provided in response to LOIs. Following 
the compilation of evidence, investigative personnel provide analyses 
as to how the evidence relates to the violation and recommended 
sanction type. The EIR is subject to various levels of review within 
the FAA program office. If the program office deems the EIR sufficient, 
it transmits the EIR to the Office of the Chief Counsel's Enforcement 
Division (AGC-300) for evaluation and, if appropriate, initiation of 
legal enforcement action. Accordingly, a variety of factors affect the 
timing of the issuance of an order of revocation for an apparent 
violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Under 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)-(4), a person is prohibited from 
making or causing to be made: A fraudulent or intentionally false 
statement on any application for a medical certificate or on a 
request for any Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical 
Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability 
(SODA); a fraudulent or intentionally false entry in any logbook, 
record, or report that is kept, made, or used to show compliance 
with any requirement for any medical certificate or for any 
Authorization or SODA; a reproduction, for fraudulent purposes, of 
any medical certificate; or an alteration of any medical 
certificate. Under 14 CFR 67.403(b)(1)-(2), a violation of 14 CFR 
67.403(a)(1)-(4) is a basis for: Suspending or revoking all airman, 
ground instructor, and medical certificates and ratings held by the 
violator and withdrawing all Authorizations or SODA's held by the 
violator. See also FAA Order 2150.3C, chap. 9, para. 8 (revocation 
is appropriate for a violation of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)-(4) since such 
a violation demonstrates a lack of qualification to hold a 
certificate).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, FAA regulations generally proscribe individuals whose 
airman and ground instructor certificates have been revoked from 
applying for new airman and ground instructor certificates for one year 
following the effective date of an order of revocation. Under 14 CFR 
61.13(d)(2), unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person 
whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate has 
been revoked may not apply for any certificate, rating, or 
authorization for one year after the date of revocation. Under 14 CFR 
63.11(d), unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person 
whose flight engineer or flight navigator certificate is revoked may 
not apply for the same kind of certificate for one year after the date 
of revocation. Under 14 CFR 65.11(d)(1) and (2), unless the order of 
revocation provides otherwise, a person whose air traffic control tower 
operator, aircraft dispatcher, or parachute rigger certificate is 
revoked may not apply for the same kind of certificate for one year 
after the date of revocation; and a person whose mechanic or repairman 
certificate is revoked may not apply for either of those kinds of 
certificates for one year after the date of revocation.\2\ In short, 
following the requisite investigation and case evaluation processes 
that take place prior to the issuance of an order revoking airman and 
ground instructor certificates for a 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4) 
violation, an applicant may have to wait up to one year following the 
issuance of an order to make application for any new such certificate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The one-year application restriction applicable to revoked 
14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65 certificates does not apply to 
certificates issued under 14 CFR part 67.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The prompt settlement policy announced in this notice for 
violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)-(4) will generally afford an 
individual eligible for the policy the opportunity to apply for any 
airman and ground instructor certificate sooner than had the case 
proceeded in the absence of the policy. The individual would still be 
subject to the one-year post-revocation bar applicable to applications 
for new airman or ground instructor certificates, but would have the 
opportunity to apply for such certificates generally sooner than under 
the current process because much of the investigation and evaluation 
processes would be abbreviated or eliminated. Moreover, this policy 
will generally add predictability as to when the FAA would issue the 
order and, accordingly, when an individual could submit an application 
for a new airman or ground instructor certificate.
    The policy will also apply when any controlled substance conviction 
or motor vehicle action that is the basis for a violation of 14 CFR 
61.15(a), (d), or (e) also forms the basis for an intentional 
falsification violation under 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1).\3\ For example, the 
policy will apply to: (1) Violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) and 14 CFR 
61.15(e) when the violations were related to the same driving under the 
influence conviction; (2) violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) and 14 CFR 
61.15(a) when the violations were related to the same controlled 
substance conviction; and (3) violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) and 14 
CFR 61.15(d) and (e) when the violations were related to the same motor 
vehicle action or actions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Under 14 CFR 61.15(a), a conviction for the violation of any 
Federal or State statute relating to the growing, processing, 
manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or 
importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant 
drugs or substances is grounds for suspension or revocation of any 
certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 61. 
Under 14 CFR 61.15(d), except for a motor vehicle action that 
results from the same incident or arises out of the same factual 
circumstances, a motor vehicle action occurring within three years 
of a previous motor vehicle action is grounds for suspension or 
revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 
14 CFR part 61. Under 14 CFR 61.15(e), each person holding a 
certificate issued under this part shall provide a written report of 
each motor vehicle action to the FAA not later than 60 days after 
the motor vehicle action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2018, the FAA implemented a similar policy for commercial pilots 
who violate certain FAA drug and alcohol-related prohibitions, 
including those involving a disqualifying DOT drug or alcohol test 
result or refusal to submit to DOT drug or alcohol testing.\4\ The 
appropriate sanction for such violations is the revocation of airman, 
ground instructor, and medical certificates held by the commercial 
pilot. As with violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4), a 
violation of drug and alcohol testing regulations is subject to 
comprehensive investigation, which, in turn, is subject to program 
office and Office of the Chief Counsel review before the FAA issues a 
revocation order. Further, as mentioned above, an individual whose part 
61 certificate is revoked may not apply for a new part 61 certificate, 
rating, or authorization for one year after the effective date of the 
revocation order.\5\ The FAA's drug and alcohol prompt settlement 
policy allows eligible pilots to promptly settle their case with the 
FAA and avoid a potentially lengthy investigation and FAA case 
evaluation process. In turn, eligible pilots can benefit from an 
earlier start of the one-year application waiting period specified in 
14 CFR 61.13(d)(2). Further, the policy affords both the pilot and FAA 
the opportunity to better allocate resources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See 83 FR 34040 (Jul. 19, 2018).
    \5\ 14 CFR 61.13(d)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement of Policy

    Under this prompt settlement policy, following the issuance of an 
LOI for violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)-(4), an eligible individual 
who is the subject of the legal enforcement action would have the 
opportunity to enter into a settlement agreement providing for (1) the 
acceptance of the prompt issuance of an order revoking the individual's 
airman or ground instructor certificates; (2) the immediate surrender 
of the affected certificates in response to the order; and (3) the 
waiver of appeal rights. This policy is expected to afford eligible 
individuals who are the subject of legal enforcement action for 
violating 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)-(4) the opportunity to apply for a new 
airman certificate under 14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65, or a new ground 
instructor certificate under 14 CFR part 61, sooner than in the absence 
of such a policy. The policy will also apply when any controlled 
substance conviction or motor vehicle action that was the basis for a 
violation of 14 CFR 61.15(a), (d), or (e) also forms the basis for an 
intentional falsification violation under 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1). Under 
this policy, the FAA will send notification to individuals who appear 
to have violated those provisions that they may contact the applicable

[[Page 60059]]

program office within ten days of receipt of the notice to request 
consideration for a prompt settlement of the legal enforcement action. 
The FAA will send the notification in conjunction with the LOI.
    Following an individual's request to be considered for application 
of this policy, the FAA will determine the individual's eligibility for 
the policy. The policy is not available when there is a question about 
an individual's qualification to hold a part 61, 63, or 65 certificate 
other than that presented by the 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4) 
violation. It is also not available for individuals who the FAA has 
found to have previously violated 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1) through (4).
    If the FAA deems application of the prompt settlement policy is 
appropriate, AGC-300 enforcement counsel will provide the individual, 
or his or her legal representative, a formal agreement that sets forth 
the conditions for prompt settlement. The terms of this settlement 
agreement will normally include the following provisions.
    (1) The settlement agreement must be executed by the parties within 
ten days after the FAA sends the agreement to the individual.
    (2) The FAA will issue an emergency order revoking all airman, 
ground instructor, and unexpired medical certificates the individual 
holds immediately upon receiving the fully executed settlement 
agreement.
    (3) The order of revocation will (i) require the immediate 
surrender of all airman, ground instructor, and unexpired medical 
certificates the individual holds to enforcement counsel; (ii) notify 
the individual that the failure to immediately surrender these 
certificates could subject the individual to further legal enforcement 
action, including a civil penalty; and (iii) inform the individual that 
the FAA will not accept an application for any new airman or ground 
instructor certificate for a period of one year from the date of the 
issuance of the order of revocation.
    (4) The individual will waive all appeal rights from the order of 
revocation.
    (5) The individual acknowledges that this agreement only concerns 
this enforcement action brought by the FAA and does not affect any 
actions that might be brought by State or other Federal agencies 
(whether civil or criminal), and that this agreement does not prevent 
the FAA from providing information about this matter to State or other 
Federal agencies.
    (6) The parties will agree to bear their own costs and attorney 
fees, if any, in connection with the matter.
    (7) The individual will agree to not initiate any litigation before 
any court, tribunal, or administrative entity concerning any costs, 
damages, or attorney fees, including applications under the Equal 
Access to Justice Act, incurred as a result of the above-referenced 
matter.
    (8) The individual will agree to waive any and all causes of action 
against the FAA and its current and/or former officials and employees 
relating to the above-referenced matter.
    This policy is expected to allow eligible individuals to more 
quickly apply for new certificates under 14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65 
following violations of 14 CFR 67.403(a)(1)-(4). It will also reduce 
uncertainty about the date of issuance of orders of revocation related 
to such violations, eliminate the unpredictability of litigation, and 
promote better resource allocation.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 21, 2020.
Naomi Tsuda,
Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 2020-21111 Filed 9-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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